[jennyfreddie]

Hello,

My husband and I live in La Verne (near the LA County Fairgrounds.) We're in LA county but on the edge of San Bernardino county.

Anyway, we're wondering if anyone could give specific recommendations about their experiences with foster/adopt agencies in this area vs. working with LA county. (I'm assuming we can't foster/adopt through San Bernardino County, since we don't technically live in it, though we'd be very open to that, too.)

We've heard a lot of conflicting opinions on private vs. county and would appreciate any feedback. (PM is fine, with specific details.)

In case it's relevant, we're hoping to adopt an infant (any race, gender) or possibly a sibling group of 2 if both kids are under the age of our daughter, who is currently 4.

Thanks,
Jenny

[takingtheplunge]

do a search in forums for key words agency and go through county.
We have posted several times on the adv and disadv. of both.

In a brief nut shell:

benefits of private ag:
- quicker return calls
- more frequent visits (this can also be viewed as a neg.)
-- quicker certification (they move you through classes quicker)
-- higher stipend while fostering (until adoption is complete).
--some can cross county/state lines which is beneficial if you are in a low demand area (I assume LA county is a nigh demand area so you shouldn't need to leave your county to find plenty of children).

benefits of county
-- does not charge homestudy fee
-- you get information about the kids from the source; you don't have to call your SW and have them call the county, and then wait for a return call and hope no info was left out (reduces miscommunication and potential for them to withhold information -- a common complaint with some agencies)
--get first chance of placement over an agency home.
The last reason, to me, is the biggest advantage of going w/ the county. The county places with their homes first and gives priority to their families. This is why I will always advocate that people who want to adopt just suck up the PRIDE classes that the county requires and go with the county if they are in a high demand area like Riverside, San Bernardino, LA, Sacramento, etc. On the otherhand, let's say you are in Provo, Utah -- then, you might need an agency to help you find kids in other areas.
Good luck.

[jennyfreddie]

Hi Takingtheplunge,

Thank you for your reply. It's helpful to have this general information. In fact, I have read through the other posts already in the boards. If anyone has more specific details about particular agencies or LA county itself (more current than some of the older posts), that would be helpful, too. We're hoping for specific recommendations or cautions.

Blessings,
Jenny

[..patience..]

private agency actually seemed more professional. the couty has no real cost except time. my county to the east of you has no voicemail or email in the beginning, and has a do x by this date or else attitude... if I could afford private I'd go right back. ps Adoption not foster

[Yash]

I'll PM you the agency I went with. Now of the private agencies I talked to, mine included, charged me for the homestudy. The only things I paid for were: CPR/First Aid/Water Safety class, fingerprinting, copy of my driving record, and various locks and things I needed to get my home homestudy ready.

I love my agency. Best of luck with whichever road you decide to travel down.